FYI - the laundry soap recipe is copyrighted and is shared for private use only!

If you would like to use it as a fund raiser for a non-profit organization, simply contact me....but you can NOT sell laundry soap made with this recipe for profit! All other recipes on this thread are public domain, unless the poster states otherwise. Thanks!

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Use amounts will vary depending on your water and machine! The amounts provided are general estimates based on replies from DS mamas.

These are non-sudsing recipes, so they're safe for HE and FL machines!

Super Gentle Homemade Laundry Soap

1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1 bar Kirks Castile Soap

Slice soap into strips and run through food processor to make "soap beads".

Combine soap beads, borax, and washing soda. Done!

Use 1-2 tablespoon for small loads, 3-4 tablespoons for large loads.
(more or less depending on your water quality)

Homemade Diaper Detergent

1 cup Washing Soda
1 cup 20 Mule Team Borax
1 cup Oxyclean Free

Combine all ingredients. Done!

use 2 tablespoons for a small load, 1/4 cup for a large load.
(again, more or less depending on your water quality)

ETA: This seems to work best with a commercial rinse agent, or with white vinegar for a rinse agent if you mix a little commerical detergent in with the recipe...using this recipe alone (or with white vinegar as a rinse agent) has been leaving a white residue!

-if you find that the *diaper* detergent isn't working as effectively after a few months, try switching to another brand and then switching back. I've had *many* PMs from mamas who are switching between homemade & Tide or homemade & Allens every 3-6 months and finding that to be the best washing routine! I haven't heard from anyone who needs to switch with the laundry soap!

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Mama to Monkey Cupcake Pumpkin
and our brand new rainbow baby

Last edited by ChocolateMoose; 02-15-2010 at 01:50 PM.
Reason: more notes

- non-sudsing, so it's safe for FL and HE machines!
- washing soda is available at Kroger, Hannafords, Acme, Biggs, and Publix
- washing soda is "sodium carbonate" and might be with pool supplies
- you can order washing soda at www.drugstore.com
- Kirks is available at Kroger, Frys, and Cracker Barrel
- you can use Dr Bronners soap instead of Kirks
- Fels Naptha is yucky stuff, and Ivory doesn't work well for laundry
- NO soap on diapers (the soap is in the *laundry* recipe)
- use oxyclean FREE and it's safer for your diapers
- mix this after the kids are in bed, in case you spill!
- don't subsitute baking soda!
- washing soda & borax ARE safe for your diapers used in this small amount!
- you can also use a cheese grater for the soap
- you can add essential oils to the powder and stir with a fork
- vinegar in the rinse can cause stinkies in microfiber
- this has been used with hemp without problems
- lots of bubbles is from your old detergent build up!
- always use a cold rinse first for diapers, so you don't set in stains
- with liquid Dr Bronners instead of soap there is a chance of staining from the oils
- you can use the diaper detergent for your clothes too
- sun oxygen cleaner is a cheaper alternative to oxyclean
- call 1-800-781-7529 to get Oxyclean Free for $6.99 (ask about free ship!)
- *approximate* costs: 3-bar pack Kirks $4, Borax $4, Oxyclean Free: $7, Washing soda $3.50 (all costs will vary by region)
-Canada moms: Borax at Zellers, A&P, Superstore and Walmart...Washing Soda and Oxyclean free at Walmart.

I use a similar recipe but the liquid version. We really like it, dh sometimes complains b/c it doesn't really have a smell. He thinks everything should smell like an ocean breeze . I might try the powder and will definitely try the diaper version. I have always got my washing soda at kroger.

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proud mama to my 3 roosters, one who all the time, one that loves and one who is always

We find washing soda at Publix. I use the first recipe with Dr. Bronners and we love it. I haven't tried the second recipe but I wash my dipes with washing soda and Dawn so I'd imagine it should work great!